Ask the Editor: Detroit Auto Show Edition

It was a great show, but in all the excitement, we didn't have time to get into the forums and answer any questions you guys might have. So, instead of reading through 50 pages of a Corvette thread or what have you, Christian and I will be checking this thread throughout the day and answering any lingering questions you guys have about anything that happened in Detroit this week.

I wanted to hate the look of the C7 when I first saw the embargoed images, but after seeing it in person, it's awesome. There are a lot of contours in the shape that just don't show up well in pictures. After they show up on the roads, I think a lot of the people who don't like it might reconsider. I'm also stoked that they basically went down the laundry list of every last thing anyone has ever complained about and fixed it. We'll see how well they've fixed things when we drive it, but it's good to know they listened.

CrossBlue is basically production ready. The new diesel hybrid system is several years away, but drop a gasoline engine in it and strip off a few show car details and it's a done deal. I'm not a big fan of the way VW's exterior design is headed (save the Passat), but I don't see why it wouldn't do well in this market.

I didn't get to see the CLA in person because it was at a private event at the same time as the C7 reveal, so I was otherwise engaged. I loved the concept and the pictures looks as though it's fairly faithful. I'm really eager to see and drive it. It's a pretty big shot across the bow of the A3 and 1 Series. Looks a lot richer, for sure.

Q50, to me, looks like an M and a 3 Series got down. I'm surprised Infiniti was willing to deviate so far from the G's styling, considering its their best-known vehicle (in my opinion). I think it'll be a nice alternative for people who don't want to pay $50,000 for a loaded-up 3 Series, though I think the interior is a little weak, design-wise.
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THE_atvman:Did you get a chance to sit in the C7? If so, how did the interior feel compared to the outgoing car and the competition?

Does the Atlas look as big in person as it does in pics?

How did you enjoy your stay in Detroit?

No, unfortunately. They were only letting people sit in one of the two cars and it was constantly mobbed. There were people trying to shoot photos and video all day and they don't like people getting in and out of the car, so I deferred. I tried coming back much later, but by then they had locked it. I did grab the seats that were on display at the reveal and the bolsters feel solid and supportive. I think they may have finally got those right.

The Atlas looks enormous, but part of it is because it was sitting on the platform it descended from the ceiling on. Even still, it looks more like a Superduty than an F-150, both in styling and size.

I had a great time. I really like Detroit, it's got fantastic history and wonderful architecture. It's encouraging to finally see new businesses being opened in downtown. It'll never be the same city it was in the '50s, but I hope this slow revival continues.
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StrykerXM:Was the RAM display drawing any attention to itself with the TOW ratings and updates?

It was hard to miss. They put a huge box in the back of a dually with "37,000 pounds" written on the side of it. Next to that was a bare dually frame with drivetrain. They definitely got people's attention.
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Has there been any word on a Q50 coupe?
"There's a lie that all drivers tell themselves -- death is something that happens to other people. That's how you find the courage to get in the car in the first place. But more powerful than even the fear of death itself is the will to win."

Everything I know on the C7 is in the First Look, but if you have any specific questions I'm happy to answer them. You can be sure I'm digging up dirt on it and there will be updates in WOT in the future.

As for the interior, I can elaborate that I think it looks much better (though the asymmetrical design is a bit odd) and the materials finally feel suitably rich. The seats seem to be legit and I like the digital cluster, even if the analog gauges on either side look like afterthoughts. I'm glad they finally went to a hi-res, full-color head-up display and a real nav system. I can't wait to get in it.

Not specifically, but you can infer that it's coming. When Infiniti announced its new nomenclature, they said the current G37 Coupe would become the Q60. With the G sedan becoming the Q50, you can bet that the G Coupe/Q60 will eventually be updated with the new styling direction. No idea when, but I would guess it's not more than a year or two off because they're going to want to get the old car off the road.
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